GRANDE ESPÍRITO

Before getting this album someone whispered in my ears that "Grande Espírito" wasn't in the same level of previous "Farol Da Liberdade" and that I should be disappointed - well, after many hearings my impressions are quite different.

"Grande Espírito", the 4th SAGRADO studio album is in fact much more sorrowful and somber, sometimes really obscure while their 2 previous albums are joyous and uplifting. The mystic factor spreads throughout the tracks, making this work a conceptual album per se.

Noticeable for the fans and listeners, especially the prog-heads is the ever- growing band's progressiveness index, their wonderful musicianship and the addition of a new singer, Bauxita, very tuned, with sharpen voice, a bit haunting, more synchronic with the prog scenario. This album, neatly symphonic indeed, could also fall in the 'eclectic' categorization due to the so many blendings perceived along its tracks: folk, classical, rock, pop, etc.

'Kian' opens the album in a soft and quasi-neo-prog way, the apparently glad atmosphere hides a powerful and sad mantra-like choir, repeating miserere nobis like a prayer altogether with a mesmerizing musical arrangement. 'Libertas' is a great song, hitting directly in the Brazilian hearts, where New Testament words are mixed with fine poetry and remembrances of the deeds of heroes of the nation - poignant and emotional, even being hard to be understood if you're not part of the landscape.

'Human beans' is one of the tracks sung in English which flows in a rocky style interchanging with some pop and agreeable tunes. The short 'Eldorado' brings the guest voice of the giant Milton Nascimento, who is able to transform a single song into a magnificent serenade. A great moment encapsulated in a narrow passage of the time, like a delicate perfume in a little flask.

Titletrack 'Grande espírito' is where the mystical moments appear more intensely. The song itself is odd and not easily palatable, although saved by the fine band action and the exquisite vocals. 'Sweet water', the other track sung in English, is a gorgeous, peaceful and romantic-like song, very pleasant to hear even not showing any different and bombastic playing which is a typical SAGRADO signature.

'Rapsódia cigana' (Gypsy rhapsody), au contraire, is thunderous and frantic, with that clear band footprint. The 'gypsy' content is set to add a plethora of folk and Eastern tunes, which provide a weird taste to the song, making it very enjoyable to listen to. 'País dos sonhos' (Dreamland) is the album's epic and where SAGRADO exercise the plenitude of their abilities, influences and enchantment. One word to classify it: unique.

SAGRADO CORAÇÃO DA TERRA discovered a new horizon and carried us through new musical lands and possibilities with "Grande Espírito", making this truly a great work and wholeheartedly an excellent addition for anyone's music collection.